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Silicon Valley Reads

Silicon Valley Reads is a community engagement program that features books and an annual theme to bring people together by providing more than 150 free, public events each year in February and March. Events for all ages include author talks, book clubs, art/music events, community activities, arts and crafts, movies, and creative events or activities based on the theme each year. 

The future holds immense potential for our Silicon Valley community, and technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), is poised to shape our world in ways we have yet to realize. We see this potential as an opportunity to learn about how we can empower ourselves and future generations for a better world. 


Our theme this year is "Empowering Humanity: Technology for a Better World."  We will learn from those on the forefront of the AI movement, explore ways in which technology impacts our daily lives and future, address questions related to ethics, and discuss how we can create a positive impact using the tools that are rapidly becoming accessible to each of us. We hope you will join us for these important learning opportunities and conversations.


Last year, we connected over 12,000 residents of Santa Clara County through free events and discussions about sustainability. This year, we will inspire literacy and spark conversations around how we can use technology to benefit humanity.

If you have comments or ideas, feel free to email siliconvalleyreads@gmail.com for consideration.


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Featured Videos

Silicon Valley Reads 2024: A Greener Tomorrow Starts Today

Silicon Valley Reads 2024: A Greener Tomorrow Starts Today
Silicon Valley Reads 2024: A Greener Tomorrow Starts Today

Silicon Valley Reads 2024: A Greener Tomorrow Starts Today

01:20:18
Play Video
To Change a Planet: Read by the author, Christina Soontornvat

To Change a Planet: Read by the author, Christina Soontornvat

06:00
Play Video
The Forest Man, read by the author Anne Matheson

The Forest Man, read by the author Anne Matheson

06:47
Play Video

2025 Books

We have carefully selected three books that encapsulate the spirit of our theme and encourage meaningful community conversations:

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Featured Books for Adults

The Worlds I See

The Worlds I See

Dr. Fei-Fei Li, the "Godmother of AI" according to Wired Magazine, has been a driving force behind recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. Her creation of ImageNet, a massive dataset of images, has been instrumental in training deep learning models. Despite facing adversity early in life, Li’s passion for physics led her to pursue a career in computer science. Her work has positioned her at the forefront of AI research, where she has witnessed both the incredible potential and the significant risks of this technology. The Worlds I See offers a personal glimpse into her journey and a clear explanation of AI's development.
Loneliness & Company

Loneliness & Company

In the near-future New York City, Lee, a promising graduate, finds herself unexpectedly assigned to a secretive government project. Her task: to train an AI named Vicky to be a friend. As Lee delves into the research, she uncovers a world where loneliness has been eradicated, and the government is desperate to maintain this illusion. With a determination to succeed, Lee embarks on a dangerous mission to gather data for Vicky, pushing the boundaries of her own understanding of friendship and the profound impact technology can have on human connection.
The Mountain in the Sea

The Mountain in the Sea

The Mountain in the Sea is a captivating novel set in a near-future world where the discovery of intelligent octopuses on a remote archipelago sparks a global race for technological dominance. A powerful tech corporation, DIANIMA, secures exclusive access to the islands, aiming to harness the octopuses' extraordinary intelligence for AI development. Dr. Ha Nguyen, a renowned marine biologist, joins DIANIMA's team to study these remarkable creatures and their unique language and culture. As research progresses, tensions escalate, and forces from around the world converge, each vying to control this extraordinary discovery. The novel delves into themes of consciousness, communication, and the ethical implications of human interaction with advanced alien intelligence. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement and human exploitation of the natural world.

Featured Companion Books for Teens/Children

Recommended Reading

Silicon Valley Reads is pleased to provide a curated list of recommended reading that explores many facets of the impacts of technology on our present and future.

Thanks to our Donors!

Silicon Valley Reads relies on the generous donations of our community partners and donors to run over 150 free events each year.  For more information on donating, please visit the Donor Information page. Thank you for financially supporting Silicon Valley Reads programs! 

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